Missiopedia:What Missiopedia is not

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30px This page is an official policy on the English Missiopedia. It has wide acceptance among editors and is considered a standard that all users should follow. When editing this page, please ensure your revision reflects consensus. When in doubt, discuss first on the talk page.


Missiopedia is an online encyclopedia and, as a means to that end, people who contribute to it are interested in building a high-quality encyclopedia in a spirit of mutual respect.

Unlike other encyclopedias, Missiopedia has a specific focus on Christianity and world missions. While other encyclopedias do not permit propaganda or advocacy at any time, Missiopedia is, to a certain extent, all about advocacy. However, this advocacy is written about within very specific guidelines, which this document attempts to define. This is a policy document but is evolving.

Contents

[edit] The Mission of Missiopedia

Our purpose is to provide a web-based, dynamic, updated description of Christianity and Christian missions in order to support the evangelization of unreached peoples.

Missiopedia policies
Article standards

Neutral point of view
Verifiable information only
Original research
What Missiopedia is not
Biographies of living persons

Working with others

Civility
Consensus
No personal attacks
Resolving disputes

[edit] What Missiopedia is not

[edit] Missiopedia is not a paper encyclopedia

There is no practical limit to the number of topics we can cover, or the total amount of content, other than verifiability and the other points presented on this page.

There is a feasible limit for individual article sizes that depends on page download size for our dial-up readers and readability considerations for everybody (see Missiopedia:Article size). After a point, splitting an article into separate articles and leaving adequate summaries is a natural part of growth for a topic (see Missiopedia:Summary style). Some topics are covered by print encyclopedias only in short, static articles, and since Missiopedia requires no paper we can give more thorough treatments. We can include many more relevant links, be more timely, etc.

This also means you don't have to redirect one topic to a partially equivalent topic that is of more common usage. A "See also" section stating that further information on the topic is available on the page of a closely related topic may be preferable.

[edit] Missiopedia is not a dictionary

Generally, the Missiopedia is not a dictionary, usage or jargon guide. Missiopedia articles are not:

  1. Dictionary definitions. Because Missiopedia is not a dictionary, please do not create an entry merely to define a term. An article should usually begin with a good definition; if you come across an article that is nothing more than a definition, see if there is information you can add that would be appropriate for an encyclopedia.
  2. Lists of such definitions. There are, however, disambiguation pages consisting of pointers to other pages; these are used to clarify differing meanings of a word.
  3. Usage guides or slang and idiom guides. Missiopedia is not in the business of saying how words, idioms, etc. should be used. We aren't

teaching people how to talk like a Cockney chimney-sweep, or a British gent. However, it may be important in the context of an encyclopedia article to describe just how a word is used to distinguish among similar, easily confused ideas, as in nation or freedom. In some special cases an article about an essential piece of slang may be appropriate.

  1. Exception: Missiopedia does include both a Glossary and a Dictionary. The purpose of the glossary is to provide short definitions for technical terms commonly used in missions, so they can be used in a standard way within Missiopedia. The purpose of the dictionary is to provide longer definitions and examinations of individual concepts, to serve as a reference. Within these two sections, definitions are acceptable and needed.

[edit] Missiopedia can publish original material--within limits

We do have original material within Missiopedia, but this material must be well developed and supported by peer review and should not be the majority. Missiopedia is not for:

  1. Primary (original) research such as proposing theories and solutions, original ideas, defining terms, coining new words, etc. Not all information added to Missiopedia has to be from peer-reviewed journals, but please strive to make sure that information is reliable and verifiable. For example, citing book, print, or reliable web resources demonstrates that the material is verifiable and is not merely the editor's opinion.
  2. Original inventions. If you invent the word frindle or a new type of dance move, it is not article material. Remember, we limit ourselves to global Christianity, Christian missions, and subjects directly related to it.
  3. Personal essays that state your particular feelings about a topic (rather than the consensus of experts). Missiopedia is supposed to compile knowledge about global Christianity, Christian missions, and directly related subjects. It is not a vehicle to make personal opinions become part of human knowledge. In the unusual situation where the opinions of a single individual are important enough to discuss, it is preferable to let other people write about them.
  4. Opinions on current affairs is a particular case of the previous item. Although current affairs may stir passions and tempt people to "climb soapboxes" (i.e. passionately advocate their pet point of view), Missiopedia is not the medium for this. Articles must be balanced so as to put entries for current affairs in a reasonable perspective. Furthermore, Missiopedia authors should strive to write articles that will not quickly become obsolete.
  5. Discussion forums. Please try to stay on the task of creating an encyclopedia. You can chat with folks about Missiopedia-related topics on their user talk pages, and should resolve problems with articles on the relevant talk pages (at the top of each article's page), but please do not take discussion into articles. There are a number of early-stage projects that attempt to use a wiki for discussion and debate.
  6. News reports. Missiopedia should not offer firsthand news reports on breaking stories. Missiopedia is not a primary source. Missiopedia will have many encyclopedia articles on topics of historical significance that are currently in the news, and can be significantly more up-to-date than most reference sources since we can incorporate new developments and facts as they are made known. However, firsthand news reports and analysis may be incorporated into the Missiopedia Monitor.

[edit] Missiopedia is not a soapbox

Missiopedia is not a soapbox or a vehicle for propaganda and advertising. Therefore, Missiopedia articles are not:

  1. Propaganda or advocacy of any kind. We write about Christian advocacy, but we do not advocate specific positions or theologies within this

scope. We can objectively report such things. For example, this is not a place for Charismatic-bashing or Catholic-bashing. We will attempt to cover both Catholic missions and Protestant missions with equal levels of detail. All articles should be written from a neutral point of view. You might wish to start a blog if you want to convince people of the merits of your favorite views.

  1. Self-promotion. It can be tempting to write about yourself or projects you have a strong personal involvement in. However, do remember that the

standards for encyclopedic articles apply to such pages just like any other, including the requirement to maintain a neutral point of view, which is difficult when writing about yourself. Creating overly abundant links and references to autobiographical articles is unacceptable. The exception is that organizations may submit material for a stub article about their agency.

  1. Advertising. Articles about companies and products are acceptable if they are written in an objective and unbiased style. Furthermore, all article topics must be third-party verifiable, so articles about very small "garage" or local companies are not

likely to be acceptable. External links to commercial organizations are acceptable if they can serve to identify major corporations associated with a topic. Please note Missiopedia does not endorse any businesses and it does not set up affiliate programs.

[edit] Missiopedia is not a mirror or a repository of links, images, or media files

Missiopedia is neither a mirror nor a repository of links, images, or media files. All content added to Missiopedia may have to be edited mercilessly to be included in the encyclopedia. By submitting any content, you agree to release it for free use under our license. Missiopedia articles are not:

  1. Mere collections of external links or Internet directories. There is nothing wrong with adding one or more useful content-relevant links to an article; however, excessive lists can dwarf articles and detract from the purpose of Missiopedia. On articles about topics with many fansites, including a link to one major fansite may be appropriate, marking the link as such. See Missiopedia:External links and m:When should I link externally for some guidelines.
  2. Mere collections of internal links, except for disambiguation pages when an article title is ambiguous, and for structured lists to assist with the organisation of articles.
  3. Mere collections of public domain or other source material such as entire books or source code, original historical documents, letters, laws, proclamations, and other source material that are only useful when presented with their original, un-modified wording. Complete copies of primary sources may not be used on Missiopedia. There's nothing wrong with using public domain resources such as 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica to add content to an article. See also Missiopedia:Don't include copies of primary sources and Wikisource's inclusion policy.
  4. Mere collections of photographs or media files with no text to go with the articles. If you are interested in presenting a picture, please provide an encyclopedic context, or consider adding it to Wikimedia Commons. If a picture comes from a public domain source on a website, then consider adding it to Missiopedia:Images with missing articles or Missiopedia:Public domain image resources.

[edit] Missiopedia is not a blog, webspace provider, or social networking site

Missiopedia is not MySpace. You may not host your own website, blog, or wiki at Missiopedia. Missiopedia pages are not:

  1. Personal web pages. Missiopedians have their own user pages, but they may be used only to present information relevant to working on the encyclopedia. If you are looking to make a personal webpage or blog, please make use of one of the many free providers on the Internet. The focus of user pages should not be social networking, but rather providing a foundation for effective collaboration.
  2. File storage areas. Please upload only files that are used (or will be used) in encyclopedia articles or project pages; anything else will be deleted. If you have extra relevant images, consider uploading them to the Wikimedia Commons, where they can be linked from Missiopedia.

If you are interested in using the wiki technology for a collaborative effort on something else, even if it is just a single page, there are many sites that provide wiki hosting (free or for money). You can also install wiki software on your server (just as we have done).

[edit] Missiopedia is not a directory

Missiopedia is not a directory of everything that exists or has existed. Missiopedia articles are not:

  1. Lists or repositories of loosely associated topics such as quotations, aphorisms, or persons (real or fictional). Of course, there is nothing wrong with having lists if their entries are famous because they are associated with or significantly contributed to the list topic. Missiopedia also includes reference tables and tabular information for quick reference.
  1. Genealogical entries or phonebook entries. Biography articles should only be for people with some sort of fame, achievement, or perhaps notoriety. One measure of publicity is whether someone has been featured in several external sources (on or off-line).
  2. Directories, directory entries, TV/Radio Guides, or a resource for conducting business. For example, an article on a radio station generally should not list upcoming events, current promotions, phone numbers, schedules, programme lists, etc., although mention of major events or promotions may be acceptable. Furthermore, the Talk pages associated with an article are for talking about the article, not for conducting the business of the topic of the article. Missiopedia is not the yellow pages. The exception: we have an extensive directory of organizations, with brief description and substantial comments on where they work.

[edit] Missiopedia is not an indiscriminate collection of information

Missiopedia is not an indiscriminate collection of items of information. That something is 100% true does not mean it is suitable for inclusion in Missiopedia. While there is a continuing debate about the encyclopedic merits of several classes of entries, current consensus is that Missiopedia articles are not simply:

  1. Lists of Frequently Asked Questions. Missiopedia articles should not list FAQs. Instead, format the information provided as neutral prose within the appropriate article(s).
  2. Travel guides. An article on Paris should mention landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but not the telephone number or street address of your favorite hotel or the price of a café au lait on the Champs-Élysées. Such details are, however, very welcome at Wikitravel, but note that due to license incompatibility you cannot copy content wholesale unless you are the copyright holder.
  3. Memorials. Missiopedia is not the place to honor departed friends and relatives. Subjects of encyclopedia articles must be notable besides being fondly remembered.
  4. Instruction manuals. While Missiopedia has descriptions of people, places, and things, Missiopedia articles should not include instructions or advice (legal, medical, or otherwise), suggestions, or contain "how-to"s. This includes tutorials, walk-throughs, instruction manuals, video game guides, and recipes. Note that this does not apply to the Missiopedia: namespace, where "how-to"s relevant to editing Missiopedia itself are appropriate, such as Missiopedia:How to draw a diagram with Dia. If you're interested in a how-to style manual, you may want to look at our sister project Wikibooks.
  5. Internet guides. Missiopedia articles should not exist only to describe the nature, appearance or services a website offers, but should describe the site in an encyclopedic manner, offering detail on a website's achievements, impact or historical significance, which can be significantly more up-to-date than most reference sources since we can incorporate new developments and facts as they are made known. See current events for examples.
  6. Textbooks and annotated texts. Missiopedia is an encyclopedic reference, not a textbook. The purpose of Missiopedia is to present facts, not to teach a subject matter. It is not appropriate to create or edit articles which read as textbooks, with leading questions and step-by-step problem solutions as examples. These belong on our sister project, Wikibooks.
  7. Plot summaries. Missiopedia articles on works of fiction should contain real-world context and sourced analysis, offering detail on a work's achievements, impact or historical significance, not solely a summary of that work's plot. A plot summary may be appropriate as an aspect of a larger topic.
  8. Lyrics databases. Most song lyrics are protected by copyright. Exceptions include traditional songs whose lyrics are in the public domain. However, even in this case the article may not consist solely of the lyrics, but has to primarily contain information about authorship, date of publication, social impact, etc. Source text generally belongs on WikiSource.
  9. Things made up in school one day. If you or your friends make up something novel in school or in a garage one day, please do not write about it in Missiopedia. Write about it on your own website. See Missiopedia:Missiopedia is not for things made up in school one day for the full policy.

[edit] Missiopedia is not a crystal ball

Missiopedia is not a collection of unverifiable speculation. All articles about anticipated events must be verifiable, and the subject matter must be of sufficiently wide interest that it would merit an article if the event had already occurred. It is appropriate to report discussion and arguments about the prospects for success of future proposals and projects or whether some development will occur, provided that discussion is properly referenced. It is not appropriate for an editor to insert their own opinions or analysis. Forward-looking articles about unreleased products (e.g. movies, games, etc.) require special care to make sure that they are not advertising. In particular:

  1. Individual scheduled or expected future events should only be included if the event is notable and almost certain to take place. If preparation for the event isn't already in progress, speculation about it must be well documented. Examples of appropriate topics include the upcoming 2008 or 2012 Olympic games. By comparison, the 2036 Summer Olympics are not considered appropriate article topics because nothing can be said about them that is verifiable and not original research. A schedule of future events may also be appropriate.
  2. Similarly, individual items from a predetermined list or a systematic pattern of names, preassigned to future events or discoveries, are not suitable article topics, if only generic information is known about the item. Lists of tropical cyclone names is encyclopedic; "Tropical Storm Alex

(2010)" is not, even though it is virtually certain that a storm of that name will occur in the North Atlantic and will turn counterclockwise. Articles about words formed on a predictable numeric system (such as "septenquinquagintillion") are not encyclopedic unless they are defined on good authority, or genuinely in use. Certain scientific extrapolations, such as chemical elements documented by IUPAC, prior to isolation in the laboratory, are usually considered encyclopedic.

  1. Articles that present extrapolation, speculation, and "future history" are not inappropriate but should be confined to the Futuristics section.

[edit] Missiopedia is not censored

Template:Seealso

Missiopedia may contain content that some readers consider objectionable or offensive. Anyone reading Missiopedia can edit an article and the changes are displayed instantaneously without any checking to ensure appropriateness, so Missiopedia cannot guarantee that articles or images are tasteful to all users or adhere to specific social or religious norms or requirements. Inappropriate content (not related to our mission) will be removed, and profanity will be edited out as soon as it is detected. Links to structures of sin (such as pornography, illicit drugs, etc) will not be tolerated in any circumstances; they will be removed and the posters banned.

[edit] What the Missiopedia community is not

The above guidelines apply to articles on Missiopedia. These guidelines apply to Missiopedia discussions.

[edit] Missiopedia is not a battleground

Missiopedia is not a place to hold grudges, import personal conflicts, or nurture hatred or fear. Making personal battles out of Missiopedia discussions goes directly against our policies and goals.

Every user is expected to interact with others civilly, calmly, and in a spirit of cooperation. Do not [[Missiopedia:No personal attacks | insult]], harass, or intimidate those with whom you have a disagreement. Rather, approach the matter intelligently and engage in polite discussion. If a user acts uncivilly, uncalmly, uncooperatively, insultingly, harassingly, or intimidatingly toward you, this does not give you an excuse to do the same in retaliation. Either respond solely to the factual points brought forward and ignore its objectionable flavoring, or ignore the relevant message entirely.

When a conflict continues to bother you or others, adhere to the procedures of dispute resolution. There are always users willing to mediate and arbitrate disputes between others.

Also, do not create or modify articles [[Missiopedia:Don't disrupt Missiopedia to illustrate a point | just to prove a point]]. Do not use Missiopedia to make legal or other threats against Missiopedia, Missiopedians, or the Wikimedia Foundation: other means already exist to communicate legal problems.[1] Threats are not tolerated and may result in a ban.

[edit] Missiopedia is not an anarchy

Missiopedia is free and open, but restricts both freedom and openness where they interfere with creating an encyclopedia. Accordingly, Missiopedia is not a forum for unregulated free speech. The fact that Missiopedia is an open, self-governing project does not mean that any part of its purpose is to explore the viability of anarchic communities. Our purpose is to build an encyclopedia, not to test the limits of anarchism. See also [[meta:Power structure]].

[edit] Missiopedia is not a democracy

Missiopedia is not an experiment in democracy or any other political system. Its primary method of determining consensus is discussion, not voting. Although editors occasionally use straw polls in an attempt to test for consensus, polls or surveys may actually impede rather than assist discussion. They should be used with caution, if at all, and may not be treated as binding.

[edit] Missiopedia is not a bureaucracy

Missiopedia is not a moot court, and although rules can make things easier, they are not the purpose of the community and instruction creep should generally be avoided. A perceived procedural error made in posting anything, such as an idea or nomination, is not grounds for invalidating that post. Follow the spirit, not the letter, of any rules, policies and guidelines. Disagreements should be resolved through consensual discussion, rather than through tightly sticking to rules and procedures.

[edit] When you wonder what to do

When you wonder what should or should not be in an article, ask yourself what a reader would expect to find under the same heading in an encyclopedia. Missiopedia:Articles for deletion/Precedents is not official policy, but can be referred to as a record of what has and hasn't been considered encyclopedic in the past.

When you wonder whether the rules given above are being violated, consider:

  • Changing the content of an article (normal editing)
  • Changing the page into a redirect, preserving the page history
  • Nominating the page for deletion if it meets grounds for such action under the Deletion policy page. To develop an understanding of what kinds of contributions are in danger of being deleted you have to regularly follow discussions there.
  • Changing the rules on this page after a consensus has been reached following appropriate discussion with other Missiopedians via the Talk page. When adding new options, please be as clear as possible and provide counter-examples of similar, but permitted, subjects.

[edit] What your user page is not

Main article: Missiopedia:User page

Many of the policies listed here apply to your user page as well. Your user page is not a personal homepage, nor is it a blog. More importantly, your user page is not yours. It is a part of Missiopedia, and exists to make collaboration among Missiopedians easier, not for self-promotion. For the full details, see User page help.

[edit] Notes

  1. . If you believe that your legal rights are being violated, you may discuss this with other users involved, take the matter to the appropriate mailing list, contact the Wikimedia Foundation, or in cases of copyright violations notify us at Missiopedia:Request for immediate removal of copyright violation.
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